Method for treating and preventing hyperparathyroidism

ABSTRACT

A method for reducing or preventing elevated blood parathyroid hormone level in a human being suffering from hyperparathyroidism by administering a sufficient amount of 1 alpha -OH vitamin D2, 1 alpha -OH vitamin D4 or 1 alpha ,24(R)-(OH)2 vitamin D4.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/798,958 filed Feb. 11, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,980; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/415,488 filed Apr. 3, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,116, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/119,895 filed Sep. 10, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,831, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/812,056 filed Dec. 17, 1991, abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/569,412 filed Aug. 17, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,864, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/227,371 filed Aug. 2, 1988, abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method for treating or preventing hyperparathyroidism utilizing an active vitamin D compound.

Hyperparathyroidism is a generalized disorder resulting from excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by one or more parathyroid glands. It is thus characterized by elevated blood levels of parathyroid hormone. Typically, one or more parathyroid glands reveal a marked enlargement. In the case of primary hyperparathyroidism, the glandular enlargement is usually due to a neoplasm or tumor. In the case of secondary hyperparathyroidism, the parathyroid gland hyperplasia typically occurs because of resistance to the metabolic actions of the hormone. Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs in patients with, e.g., renal failure, osteomalacia, and intestinal malabsorption syndrome. In both primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, bone abnormalities, e.g., the loss of bone mass or decreased mineral content, are common and renal damage is possible. Hyperparathyroidism is thus also characterized by abnormal calcium, phosphorus and bone metabolism.

It has long been known that vitamin D plays a critical role regulating calcium metabolism. The discovery of the active forms of vitamin D in the 1970's M. F. Holick et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 68, 803-804 (1971); G. Jones et al., Biochemistry 14, 1250-1256 (1975)! and active vitamin D analogues M. F. Holick et al., Science 180, 190, 191 (1973);

H. Y. Lam et al., Science 186, 1038-1040 (1974)!, caused much excitement and speculation about the usefulness of these compounds in the treatment of bone depletive disorders.

Animal and early clinical studies examining the effects of these active vitamin D compounds suggested that such agents would be useful in restoring calcium balance. However, the best indicator of the efficacy of vitamin D compounds to prevent or treat depletive bone disorders is bone itself (or, in the case of renal osteodystrophy, serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH)) rather than calcium absorption or calcium balance. Certain clinical studies with 1α,25-(OH)₂ vitamin D₃, and 1α-OH vitamin D₃ indicate that the ability of these agents to restore lost bone mass or bone mineral content is dose-related. See, S. M. Ott, C. H. Chesnut, Annals of Int. Med. 1989; 110:267-274; J. C. Gallagher et al., Annals of Int. Med. 1990; 113:649-655; J. Aloia et al., Amer. J. Med. 84:401-08 (1988)! M. Shiraki et al., Endocrinol. Japan 32, 305-315 (1985)!.

These clinical studies also indicate that at the dosage ranges required for these agents to be truly effective, toxicity in the form of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria becomes a major problem. Attempts to increase the amount of 1α,25-(OH)₂ vitamin D₃ above 0.5 μg/day have frequently resulted in toxicity. At dosage levels below 0.5 μg/day, clinically significant effects are rarely observed on bone. See G. F. Jensen et al., Clin Endocrinol. 16, 515-524 (1982); C. Christiansen et al., Eur. J. Clin. Invest. 11, 305-309 (1981)!. Doses of 2 μg/day of 1α-OH vitamin D₃ were found to have efficacy in increasing bone mass in patients exhibiting senile osteoporosis O. H. Sorensen et al., Clin. Endocrinol. 7, 169S-175S (1977)!. Data from clinical studies in Japan, a population that has low calcium intake, indicate that efficacy is found with 1α-OH vitamin D₃ when administered at 1 μg/day M. Shiraki et al., Endocrinol. Japan. 32:305-315(1985); H. Orimo et al., Bone and Mineral 3, 47-52 (1987)!. However, at 2 μg/day, toxicity with 1α-OH vitamin D₃ occurs in approximately 67 percent of the patients, and at 1 μg/day this percentage is approximately 20 percent.

Thus, the prior art teaches that due to their toxicity, 1-hydroxylated vitamin D compounds can only be administered at dosages that are, at best, modestly beneficial in preventing or treating loss of bone or bone mineral content. Indeed, Aloia recommends that alternative routes of administration be sought which might avoid the toxicity problems and allow higher dosage levels to be achieved. J. Aloia et al., Amer. J. Med. 84:401-408 (1988)!. Despite reported toxicities of 1α-OH vitamin D₃ and 1α,25-(OH)₂ vitamin D₃, these two compounds remain the drugs of choice for many bone depletive disease treatments.

As to secondary hyperparathyroidism and its occurrence in renal failure, at present, in the United States, end stage renal disease afflicts approximately 200,000 individuals. In this disease, there is a progressive loss of cells of the proximal nephrons, the primary site for the synthesis of the vitamin D hormones (collectively "1α,25-(OH)₂ D") from 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ and 25-hydroxyvitamin D₂. In addition, the loss of functioning nephrons leads to retention of excess phosphorus which reduces the activity of the renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase, the enzyme which catalyzes the reaction to produce the D hormones. These two events account for the low serum levels of 1α,25-(OH)₂ D commonly found in patients with mild to moderate end stage renal disease.

Reduced serum levels of 1α,25-(OH)₂ D cause increased, and ultimately excessive, secretion of PTH by direct and indirect mechanisms. The resulting hyperparathyroidism leads to markedly increased bone turnover and its sequela of renal osteodystrophy, which may include a variety of other diseases, such as, osteitis fibrosa cystica, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, extraskeletal calcification and related disorders, e.g., bone pain, periarticular inflammation and Mockerberg's sclerosis. Reduced serum levels of 1α,25-(OH)₂ D also can cause muscle weakness and growth retardation with skeletal deformities (most often seen in pediatric patients).

All previous clinical studies of hormonally active vitamin D drugs in end stage renal disease patients have focused exclusively on compounds derived from vitamin D₃. 1α,25-(OH)₂ D₃ and 1α-OH-D₃ are the only approved forms of 1α-hydroxylated vitamin D for treatment or prevention, although both drugs are not currently approved in all major pharmaceutical markets. Use of 1α,25-(OH)₂ D₃ and 1α-OH-vitamin D₃ as replacement therapy seeks to treat or prevent renal osteodystrophy by treating or preventing hyperparathyroidism in end stage renal disease patients. As noted above, 1α,25-(OH)₂ D₃ often causes toxic side effects (hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia) at dosages above 0.5 μg, especially when concomitantly administered calcium phosphate binders are used to control serum phosphorus. The minimum effective dose for preventing hyperparathyroidism is in the range of 0.25 to 0.50 μg/day; most patients respond to oral treatment doses of 0.5 to 1.0 μg/day or intravenous doses between 0.5 and 3.0 μg three times per week. As described above, the other commonly used vitamin D drug is 1α-OH-D₃ which often causes toxic effects at dosages over 1.0 μg/day, especially when used with calcium phosphate binders. The minimum effective dosage for preventing hyperparathyroidism is in the range of 0.25 to 1.0 μg/day, and most patients require treatment dosages of 1.0 μg/day or more. When either drug, 1α,25-(OH)₂ D₃ or 1α-OH-D₃, is administered in higher dosages, both efficacy and toxicity are found to increase. Thus, the hormonally active vitamin D₃ compounds are limited in their therapeutic usefulness due to their inherent toxicities.

To reduce the incidence of toxic side effects with 1α,25-(OH)₂ D₃ or 1α-OH-D₃, a low calcium dialysate with an ionized calcium concentration of 1.25 mM has been developed. However, it has been found that use of the low calcium dialysate has lead to higher serum PTH and phosphorus levels in patients who do not receive increased doses of oral calcium supplements and phosphate binders. When the dosages of calcium supplements and phosphate binders are increased, serum levels of phosphorus become controlled, but the incidence of hypercalcemia rises markedly. Thus, there are many problems associated with the use of current vitamin D therapies for secondary hyperparathyroidism in renal disease.

As to primary hyperparathyroidism, the current treatment is surgical, i.e., resection of the hyperplastic gland. For many patients, however, surgery is contraindicated. In such cases, medical management merely consists of following the patient without specific therapy but monitoring bone and renal function periodically to ensure that silent osseous and renal deterioration do not occur. Management of this disease would be greatly improved by the advent of effective medical modalities.

Notwithstanding these known problems with use of the hormonally active vitamin D₃ for hyperparathyroidism, the art has not adequately responded to date with the introduction of other vitamin D compounds, derivatives or analogs that possess less inherent toxicity.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for treating or preventing hyperparathyroidism by lowering (or maintaining low) serum parathyroid hormone levels in a patient suffering from the disease. The method at the same time ameliorates bone metabolism abnormalities which can develop in such patients.

The foregoing, and other advantages of the present invention, are realized in one aspect thereof in a method for lowering serum (or plasma) PTH in patients suffering from hyperparathyroidism, e.g., comprising, administering to these patients an effective amount of a vitamin D analog of formula (I), as described hereinbelow, to lower the serum PTH level. The analog of formula (I) is any active vitamin D compound which has potent biological activity but low calcemic activity relative to the active forms of vitamin D₃. Preferably such compounds are 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ ; 1α,24(S)-(OH)₂ -vitamin D₂ ; 1α-OH-vitamin D₄ ; or 1α,24(R)-(OH)₂ -vitamin D₄. The analog of formula (I) is administered in a dosage amount of about 1 to about 100 μg per week.

As used herein, the term "vitamin D analog" is meant to refer to compounds having vitamin D hormonal bioactivity. It is also noted that a shorthand notation is often used for the D hormones, e.g., 1α-hydroxy vitamin D₂ may be referred to as 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ or simply 1α-OH-D₂.

In another aspect, the invention is a pharmaceutical composition having serum (or plasma) PTH lowering activity, which includes, in unit dosage form, an effective amount of a vitamin D analog which is 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ 1α,24(S)-(OH)₂ -vitamin D₂ ; 1α-OH-vitamin D₄ ; or 1α,24(R)-(OH)₂ -vitamin D4; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The treatment method of the present invention is an alternative to conventional therapy with 1α,25-(OH)₂ vitamin D₃ or 1 a-OH-vitamin D₃ ; the method is characterized by providing an active vitamin D compound having equivalent bioactivity but much lower toxicity than these conventional therapies. This is true especially in the case where oral calcium phosphate binders are used concomitantly to control serum phosphorus. As such, the method addresses a long felt need in hyperparathyroidism therapy.

A comparison of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ to 1α-OH-vitamin D₃ has been conducted. 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ is equally active as 1α-OH-vitamin D₃ in the healing of rickets, in the stimulation of intestinal calcium absorption and in the elevation of serum inorganic phosphorous of rachitic rats. G. Sjoden et al., J. Nutr. 114, 2043-2946 (1984)!. In the same laboratory animal, the inventors also have found that 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ is 5 to 15 times less toxic than 1α-OH-vitamin D₃ see, also, G. Sjoden et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 178, 432-436 (1985)!. It has also now been found that, for example, 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ may be safely administered for up to two years to human subjects experiencing or having a tendency toward loss of bone mass or bone mineral content at dosages greater than 3 μg/day.

The present invention is also intended to be used in all bone depletive disorders which respond to administration of active forms of vitamin D.

Other advantages and a fuller appreciation of specific adaptations, compositional variations, and physical attributes will be gained upon an examination of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

Not Applicable

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates broadly to bone depletive disorders. However, the method of the present invention is most particularly adapted for use in ameliorating or preventing hyperparathyroidism. Accordingly, the present invention will now be described in detail with respect to such endeavors; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a description of the invention is meant to be exemplary only and should not be viewed as limitative on the full scope thereof.

More specifically, the present invention relates to therapeutic methods for lowering excessively high blood levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The method in accordance with the present invention has significantly less resultant hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, especially in patients who use oral calcium phosphate binders to control serum phosphorus levels. These attributes are achieved through a novel treatment of patients suffering from hyperparathyroidism with a vitamin D analog of formula (I) as described hereinbelow.

In accordance with the invention, it has been found that when the analogs of formula (I) are administered to patients with elevated serum parathyroid hormone, PTH concentration is lowered with significantly less hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia than is observed after the same amount of activated vitamin D₃ administered in previously known formulations. Thus, the compounds of formula (I) have an improved therapeutic index relative to vitamin D₃ analogs.

The vitamin D analogs in accordance with the present invention have the general formula: ##STR1## where A¹ and A² are each either H or taken together, form a carbon-carbon double bond, and where R¹ is either a hydrogen or hydroxyl. The analogs of formula (I) are substantially less toxic than their vitamin D₃ counterparts when administered to patients experiencing hyperparathyroidism. For patients using oral calcium phosphate binders, administration of the analogs of formula (I) at dosage levels higher than possible with the vitamin D₃ compounds provides greater efficacy than heretofore possible in treating hyperparathyroidism.

Preferred among the analogs of formula (I) are: 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₂ (also known as 1α-hydroxyergocalciferol); 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₄ ; 1α,24(S)-dihydroxyvitamin D₂ ; and 1α,24(R)-dihydroxyvitamin D₄. Most preferred is 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₂, a prodrug for 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₂ which is an endogenous metabolite of vitamin D₂. Where certain epimeric forms are preferred, the preferred form is suitably substantially free of its other epimeric form, e.g., 1α,24(S)-dihydroxy vitamin D₂ is preferred substantially free of its (R) epimer, and 1α,24(R)-dihydroxy vitamin D₄ is preferred substantially free of its (S) epimer.

It is noted that the medical community currently views vitamin D₃ compounds as biologically indistinguishable from the corresponding vitamin D₂ compounds. This is evident from the indiscriminate inclusion of either vitamin D₂ or D₃ in vitamin supplements prepared for human use, and from the interchangeable use of either vitamin in treating bone diseases caused by vitamin D deficiency. Curiously, medical experts consider the hormonally active forms of the two vitamins to be equivalent despite lack of confirmation from a single human study. (It is also interestingly noted that vitamin D₄ is described in The Merck Index (Merck Index, 11th ed. (1989) p. 9932) as having doubtful biological activity.)

In parent application Ser. No. 08/119,895, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,831, and its parent application, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,864, it has been shown that 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ has the same biopotency as 1α-OH-vitamin D₃ and 1α,25-(OH)₂ -vitamin D₃ but is much less toxic. Even dosages up to 10 μg/day of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (in both open label and double blind testing) exhibited only mild hypercalciuria (>300 mg/24 hrs), and marked hypercalcemia (>11.0 mg/dL) solely due to 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ was not evident. Additionally, the compound did not adversely affect kidney function, as determined by creatinine clearance and BUN; nor did it increase urinary excretion of hydroxyproline, indicating the absence of any stimulatory effect on bone resorption. Administration of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ to healthy adult males in dosages up to 8 μg/day showed no hypercalcemia or other adverse effects.

The analogs of formula (I) are useful as active compounds in pharmaceutical compositions. The pharmacologically active analogs of this invention can be processed in accordance with conventional methods of pharmacy to produce pharmaceutical agents for administration to patients, e.g., in admixtures with conventional excipients such as pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic carrier substances suitable for parenteral, enteral (e.g., oral), topical or transdermal application which do not deleteriously react with the active compounds. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include but are not limited to water, salt (buffer) solutions, alcohols, gum arabic, mineral and vegetable oils, benzyl alcohols, polyethylene glycols, gelatin, carbohydrates such as lactose, amylose or starch, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, perfume oil, fatty acid monoglycerides and diglycerides, pentaerythritol fatty acid esters, hydroxy methylcellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, etc.

The pharmaceutical preparations can be sterilized and if desired, mixed with auxiliary agents, e.g., lubricants, preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, salts for influencing osmotic pressure, buffers, coloring, flavoring and/or aromatic active compounds. If a pharmaceutically acceptable solid carrier is used, the dosage form of the analogs may be tablets, capsules, powders, suppositories, or lozenges. If a liquid carrier is used, soft gelatin capsules, transdermal patches, aerosol sprays, topical creams, syrups or liquid suspensions, emulsions or solutions may be the dosage form.

For parenteral application, particularly suitable are injectable, sterile solutions, preferably oily or aqueous solutions, as well as suspensions, emulsions, or implants, including suppositories. Ampoules are convenient unit dosages. The dosage of the analogs in accordance with the present invention for parenteral administration generally is about 1-30 μg given 1 to 3 times per week.

As noted above, for enteral application, particularly suitable are tablets, dragees, liquids, drops, suppositories, or capsules. A syrup, elixir, or the like can be used wherein a sweetened vehicle is employed.

Sustained or directed release compositions can be formulated, e.g., liposomes or those wherein the active compound is protected with differentially degradable coatings, such as by microencapsulation, multiple coatings, etc. It is also possible to freeze-dry the new compounds and use the lypolizates obtained, for example, for the preparation of products for injection. Transdermal delivery of pharmaceutical compositions of the analogs of formula (1) is also possible.

For topical application, there are employed as nonsprayable forms, viscous to semi-solid or solid forms comprising a carrier compatible with topical application and having a dynamic viscosity preferably greater than water. Suitable formulations include but are not limited to solutions, suspensions, emulsions, creams, ointments, powders, liniments, salves, aerosols, etc., which are, if desired, sterilized or mixed with auxiliary agents, e.g., preservatives, etc.

Oral administration is preferred. Generally, the analogs of this invention are dispensed by unit dosage form comprising about 0.25 to about 10.0 μg in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier per unit dosage. The dosage of the analogs according to this invention generally is about 1 to about 100 μg per week, preferably about 3 μg to about 25 μg per week.

It will be appreciated that the actual preferred amounts of active analog in a specific case will vary according to the specific compound being utilized, the particular compositions formulated, the mode of application, and the particular situs being treated. Dosages can be determined using conventional considerations, e.g., by customary comparison of the differential activities of the subject compounds and of a known agent, e.g., by means of an appropriate conventional pharmacological protocol.

The specific doses for each particular patient depend on a wide variety of factors, for example, on the efficacy of the specific compound employed, on the age, body weight, general state of health, sex, on the diet, on the timing and mode of administration, on the rate of excretion, and on medicaments used in combination and the severity of the particular disorder to which the therapy is applied.

It is possible, if desired, to produce the metabolites of certain ones of the analogs of formula (I), in particular by nonchemical means. For this purpose, it is possible to convert them into a suitable form for administration together with at least one vehicle or auxiliary and, where appropriate, combined with one or more other active compounds.

The dosage forms may also contain adjuvants, such as preserving or stabilizing adjuvants. They may also contain other therapeutically valuable substances or may contain more than one of the compounds specified herein and in the claims in admixture.

Bulk quantities of the vitamin D analogs for the practice of this invention can be readily obtained in accordance with the processes of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,907,843; 4,195,027; 4,202,829; 4,234,495; 4,260,549; 4,555,364; 4,554,106; 5,488,120; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/515,801.

As described hereinbefore, the analogs of formula (I) are preferably administered to the human patients in oral dosage formulation. As an analog in accordance with the present invention is released from the oral dosage formulation, it is absorbed from the intestine into the blood.

The present invention is further explained by the following examples which should not be construed by way of limiting the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1

Study Demonstrating Better Safety

The low toxicity of 1 a-OH-vitamin D₂ in human patients was demonstrated in a clinical study involving 15 postmenopausal osteoporotic women. J. Bone Min. Res.; 1994; 9:607-614.! The selected patients were between 55 and 75 years of age, and exhibited L2-L3 vertebral bone mineral density ("BMD") between 0.7 and 1.05 g/cm², as determined by measurements with a LUNAR dual-photon absorptiometer. (The mean bone mineral density in women with osteoporosis is about 0.85±0.17 g/cm², so that these limits correspond to about the 15th to 85th percentiles.) On admission to the study, all patients received instruction on selecting a daily diet containing 400 to 600 mg of calcium. Compliance to this diet was verified at weekly intervals by 24-hour food records and by interviews with each patient.

All patients completed a one-week baseline period, a five- to seven-week treatment period, and a one-week post-treatment observation period. During the treatment period, patients orally self-administered 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ at an initial dose of 0.5 μg/day for the first week, and at successively higher doses of 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 5.0, 8.0 and 10.0 μg/day in each of the following weeks. All doses were administered before breakfast.

Blood and urine chemistries were monitored on a weekly basis throughout the study. Key blood chemistries included fasting serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, osteocalcin, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Key urine chemistries included 24-hour excretion of calcium, phosphorus and creatinine.

Data from the study clearly demonstrated that 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ can be safely administered for short periods at high dose levels. In particular, the compound did not adversely affect kidney function, as determined by creatinine clearance and blood levels of urea nitrogen; nor did it increase urinary excretion of hydroxyproline, indicating the absence of any stimulatory effect on bone resorption. The compound had no effect on any routinely monitored serum chemistries, indicating the absence of adverse metabolic effects.

A positive effect of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ on calcium homeostasis was evident from dose-related increases observed in 24-hour urinary calcium levels, confirming that the compound increases intestinal calcium absorption, and from dose-related increases in serum osteocalcin, suggesting that the compound directly stimulates bone formation.

EXAMPLE 2

Study Demonstrating Safety and Efficacy for Human Osteoporosis

The safety and efficacy of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ as an oral treatment for osteoporosis was confirmed in a study involving 60 postmenopausal osteoporotic outpatients. The selected subjects had ages between 60 and 70 years, and exhibited L2-L3 vertebral BMD between 0.7 and 1.05 g/cm², as determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Exclusion criteria encompassed significant medical disorders and recent use of medications known to affect bone or calcium metabolism.

On admission to the study, each subject was assigned at random to one of two treatment groups; one group received up to a 104-week course of therapy with 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ ; the other received only placebo therapy. All subjects received instruction on selecting a daily diet containing 700-900 mg of calcium and were advised to adhere to this diet over the course of the study. Compliance to the diet was verified at regular intervals by 24-hour food records and by interviews with each subject.

During the treatment period, subjects from one group orally self-administered 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ at an initial dosage of 1.0 μg/day for one week, and increased the dosage to 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 μg/day in each of the following weeks, to a maximum dosage of 5.0 μg/day. The dosage for any given subject was increased in this way until the rate of urinary calcium excretion was elevated to approximately 275-300 mg/24 hours, at which point the subject held the dosage constant at the highest level attained. Subjects from the second group self-administered a matching placebo medication every day, titrating the apparent dosage upwards in the same manner as subjects being treated with 1α-OH-vitamin D₂.

Spinal and femoral neck BMD were measured in all subjects by DEXA at the beginning of the study, and at six-month intervals thereafter. Intestinal calcium absorption was estimated in all subjects by a single isotope technique at the beginning of the study, and at 12-month intervals. Serum levels of vitamin D metabolites were determined by radioreceptor binding assays at baseline and at six-month intervals. Serum osteocalcin, serum PTH and urine hydroxyproline also were determined at baseline and at six-month intervals.

Other blood and urine chemistries were monitored at regular intervals during the treatment period. These chemistries included serum calcium, serum ionized calcium, urine calcium, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and creatinine clearance. Kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) x-rays were obtained at baseline and at 12-month intervals thereafter.

The results of the study are summarized below:

Subjects

Sixty subjects enrolled in what was originally intended to be a 52-week study. Of these 60 subjects, 55 completed one year of treatment (28 active; 27 placebo); and 41 subjects completed an optional second year of treatment.

Test Drug Dosages

The average prescribed dosage for subjects who received 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ was 4.2 μg/day at 52 weeks and 3.6 μg/day at 104 weeks. The average prescribed dosage for placebo subjects was an apparent 4.8 μg/day at 52 weeks and 4.8 μg/day at 104 weeks.

Exclusions

One subject failed to comply with the prescribed dosage of test drug, as confirmed by an absence of serum 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₂ at any time during the study. Data for this subject were excluded from analysis. Three patients were diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism when the PTH assays were completed (in batch) at the study's conclusion; data for these subjects were excluded from analysis. No subjects were excluded from analysis for noncompliance with the required dietary calcium intake of 700-900 mg/day.

Episodes of Hypercalcemia/Hypercalciuria

Marked hypercalcemia (>10.8 mg/dL) occurred in one subject in association with an intercurrent illness. The prescribed dosage of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ at the time of this episode was 5.0 μg/day. Moderate hypercalcemia (10.4-10.8 mg/dL) occurred in two subjects over the course of the study at prescribed dosages of 5.0 μg/day. Mild hypercalcemia (10.2-10.4 mg/dL) occurred in four subjects in the first year, and in two subjects in the second year. Hypercalciuria was observed occasionally over the two-year study in 17 subjects treated with 1α-OH-vitamin D₂.

Serum Calcium/Ionized Calcium

Mean serum calcium was approximately 0.1 to 0.2 mg/dL higher in subjects treated with 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ than in subjects treated with placebo. This difference was significant (P<0.05) only during the second year of treatment. Mean serum ionized calcium was approximately 0.05 to 0.10 mg/dL higher in subjects treated with 1α-OH-vitamin D₂.

Urine Calcium

Mean urine calcium increased during the initial titration period in a dose-response fashion. After titration, mean urine calcium was 50 to 130% higher (P<001) with 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ treatment than with placebo treatment.

Kidney Function

No significant changes were observed with long-term 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ treatment in BUN, serum creatinine or creatinine clearance. KUB x-rays revealed no abnormalities in either treatment group throughout the course of the study.

Bone

Bone mineral density (BMD) in the L2-L4 vertebrae progressively increased with 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ treatment and decreased with placebo treatment over the two-year study. The difference in spinal BMD between the treatment groups became statistically significant (P<0.05) after 24 months of treatment. Similar changes were observed in femoral neck BMD with statistically significant differences observed after 18 months (P<0.001) and 24 months (P<0.05) of treatment.

Calcium Uptake

Intestinal absorption of orally administered ⁴⁵ Ca increased by 40% (P<0.001) after 52 weeks of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ therapy, and by 29% (P<0.5) after 104 weeks of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ therapy, relative to placebo control.

Vitamin D Metabolites

Treatment with 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ caused progressive increases in mean serum total 1α,25-dyhydroxyvitamin D from 21% (P<0.05) at six months to 49% (P<0.01) at 24 months relative to placebo therapy. This increase resulted from a dramatic rise in serum 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₂ which was partially offset by a 50+% decrease in serum 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃. No treatment related changes were apparent in serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

Biochemical Parameters

Serum levels of PTH decreased with 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ therapy by 17% at 52 weeks and by 25% at 1-4 weeks, relative to placebo therapy.

Serum levels of osteocalcin were unchanged with long-term 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ therapy.

Fasting urine hydroxyproline:creatinine ratio tended to decrease with long-term 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ treatment but the observed differences between the 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ and placebo treatment groups were not significantly different.

The results of this study clearly indicated that 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ can be tolerated in higher long-term dosages than the commonly used vitamin D₃ analogues. They also showed that 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ is well tolerated in postmenopausal women at long-term dosages in the range of 2.0 to 3.0 μg/day, provided that individuals exhibiting abnormally high urine calcium levels (when not receiving vitamin D therapy) are excluded from treatment. Long-term administration of such high dosages of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ significantly reduced bone loss at the spine and femoral neck, the most frequent sites of osteoporotic fractures. These positive effects on bone were accompanied by a sustained increase in intestinal calcium absorption and a sustained decrease in serum PTH. They were not accompanied by clear long-term trends in serum osteocalcin and urine hydroxyproline. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ is safe and effective in the treatment of postmenopausal or senile osteoporosis.

EXAMPLE 3

Open Label Study in End Stage Renal Disease Patients Exhibiting Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Five end stage renal disease patients were enrolled in an open label study. The selected patients had ages between 36 and 72 years and had been on hemodialysis for at least 4 months prior to enrollment. The patients each had an average serum phosphorus in the range of 3.0 to less than or equal to 6.9 mg/dL during the two months prior to enrollment (often controlled by oral calcium phosphate binders), and had a history of elevated serum PTH values of greater than 400 pg/mL when not receiving 1α,25-(OH)₂ -vitamin D₃ therapy.

Each patient had been receiving 1α,25-(OH)₂ vitamin D₃ prior to enrollment, and discontinued the 1α,25-(OH)₂ vitamin D₃ therapy for eight weeks prior to receiving 1α-OH-vitamin D₂. After 8 weeks, the patients received treatment of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ at a dosage of 4 μg/day for 6 weeks. Throughout the eight-week washout period and the treatment period, patients were monitored weekly or biweekly for serum intact PTH level and weekly for excessive elevation in serum levels of calcium and phosphorus.

Throughout the washout period and treatment period, patients underwent routine hemodialysis (3 times per week) using a 1.25 mM calcium dialysate. They also ingested significant amounts of calcium phosphate binders (1-10g elemental Ca) to keep serum phosphorus levels below 6.9 mg/dL.

Baseline serum PTH (pg/mL) was 480±21; serum Ca (mg/dL), 9.8±0.3 and serum phosphorus (mg/dL), 5.1±0.2. In three patients, serum PTH decreased by 68%, 74% and 87% after two weeks. In the other two patients, serum PTH declined by 33% in one and 3% in the other after four weeks. Overall, serum PTH decreased by 49±17% and 33±9% after two and four weeks of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂, respectively, (p<0.05). Serum calcium (mg/dL) was 10.2±0.4 (p<0.05) and 9.8±0.2 (NS) and serum phosphorus (mg/dL) was 5.4±0.5 and 5.5±0.8 at two and four weeks, respectively (NS). A rise in serum PTH from the second to fourth weeks of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ occurred when 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ was withheld in three patients with serum PTH<130; they developed mild hypercalcemia (serum calcium, 10.3-11.4 mg/dL) that reversed after stopping 1α-OH-vitamin D₂. No other adverse effects occurred. At 4-6 weeks of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ treatment of 4 μg, thrice weekly, four of five patients were in the target range of serum PTH; serum calcium was 10.0±0.2 mg/dL and serum phosphorus, 5.3±0.2 mg/dL. The patient who failed to respond to six weeks of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ treatment had a delayed response to both intravenous and oral calcitriol earlier, requiring several months of treatment before serum PTH fell. Serum PTH values in this patient fell by 38% after eight weeks of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ treatment. These data show that 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ is efficacious and safe for the control of secondary hyperparathyroidism in end stage renal disease patients.

EXAMPLE 4

Double Blind Study of Bone in End Stage Renal Disease Patients

A twelve-month double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial is conducted with thirty-five men and women with renal disease who are undergoing chronic hemodialysis. All patients enter an eight-week control period during which time they receive a maintenance dose of vitamin D₃ (400 lU/day). After this control period, the patients are randomized into two treatment groups: one group receives a constant dosage of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ (u.i.d.; a dosage greater than 3.0 μg/day) and the other group receives a matching placebo. Both treatment groups receive a maintenance dosage of vitamin D₃, maintain a normal intake of dietary calcium, and refrain from using calcium supplements. Oral calcium phosphate binders are used as necessary to maintain serum levels of phosphorus below 7.0 mg/dL. Efficacy is evaluated by pre- and post-treatment comparisons of the two patient groups with regard to (a) direct measurements of intestinal calcium absorption, (b) total body calcium retention, (c) radial and spinal bone mineral density, and (d) determinations of serum calcium and osteocalcin. Safety is evaluated by regular monitoring of serum calcium.

Analysis of the clinical data show that 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ significantly increases serum osteocalcin levels and intestinal calcium absorption, as determined by direct measurement using a double-isotope technique. Patients treated with this compound show normalized serum calcium levels, stable values for total body calcium, and stable radial and spinal bone densities relative to baseline values. In contrast, patients treated with placebo show frequent hypocalcemia, significant reductions in total body calcium and radial and spinal bone density. An insignificant incidence of hypercalcemia is observed in the treated group.

EXAMPLE 5

Double-blind Study in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patients Exhibiting Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Up to 120 ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis are studied in a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study based in two major U.S. metropolitan areas. The selected patients reside in two major metropolitan areas within the continental U.S., have ages between 20 and 75 years and have a history of secondary hyperparathyroidism. They have been on hemodialysis for at least four months, have a normal (or near normal) serum albumin, and have controlled serum phosphorus (often by using oral calcium phosphate binders).

On admission to the study, each patient is assigned at random to one of two treatment groups. One of these groups receives two consecutive 12-week courses of therapy with 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ ; the other receives a 12-week course of therapy with 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ followed, without interruption, by a 12-week course of placebo therapy. Each patient discontinues any 1α,25-OH₂ -vitamin D₃ therapy for eight weeks prior to initiating 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ therapy (4 μg/day). Throughout this eight-week washout (or control) period and the two subsequent 12-week treatment periods, patients are monitored weekly for serum calcium and phosphorus. Serum intact PTH is monitored weekly or biweekly, and bone-specific serum markers, serum vitamin D metabolites, serum albumin, blood chemistries, hemoglobin and hematocrit are monitored at selected intervals.

During the study, patients undergo routine hemodialysis (three times per week) using a 1.24 mM calcium dialysate and ingest calcium phosphate binders (such as calcium carbonate or calcium acetate) in an amount sufficient to keep serum phosphate controlled (≦6.9 mg/dL). Patients who develop persistent mild hypercalcemia or mild hyperphosphatemia during the treatment periods reduce their 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ dosage to 4 μg three times per week (or lower). Patients who develop marked hypercalcemia or marked hyperphosphatemia immediately suspend treatment. Such patients are monitored at twice weekly intervals until the serum calcium or phosphorus is normalized, and resume 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ dosing at a rate which is 4μg three times per week (or lower).

During the eight-week washout period, the mean serum level of PTH increases progressively and significantly. After initiation of 1α-(OH)-vitamin D₂ dosing, mean serum PTH decreases significantly to less than 50% of pretreatment levels. Due to this drop in serum PTH, some patients need to reduce their dosage of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ to 4 μg three times per week (or to even lower levels) to prevent excessive suppression of serum PTH. In such patients, exhibiting excessive suppression of serum PTH, transient mild hypercalcemia is observed, which is corrected by appropriate reductions in 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ dosages.

At the end of the first 12-week treatment period, mean serum PTH is in the desired range of 130 to 240 pg/mL and serum levels of calcium and phosphorus are normal or near normal for end stage renal disease patients. At the end of the second 12-week treatment period (during which time 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ treatment is suspended and replaced by placebo therapy), mean serum PTH values markedly increase, reaching pretreatment levels. This study demonstrates that: (1) 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ is effective in reducing serum PTH levels, and (2) 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ is safer than currently used therapies, despite its higher dosages and concurrent use of high levels of oral calcium phosphate binder.

EXAMPLE 6

Open Label Study of Elderly Subjects with Elevated Blood PTH from Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Thirty elderly subjects with secondary hyperparathyroidism are enrolled in an open label study. The selected subjects have ages between 60 and 100 years and have elevated serum PTH levels (greater than the upper limit of young normal range). Subjects also have femoral neck osteopenia (femoral neck bone mineral density of ≦0.70 μg/cm²).

Subjects are requested to keep a diet providing approximately 500 mg calcium per day without the use of calcium supplements. For a twelve week treatment period, subjects self-administer orally 2.5 μg/day 1α-OH-D₂. At regular intervals throughout the treatment period, subjects are monitored for serum PTH levels, serum calcium and phosphorus, and urine calcium and phosphorus levels. Efficacy is evaluated by pre- and post-treatment comparisons of serum PTH levels. Safety is evaluated by serum and urine calcium and phosphorus values.

The administration of 1α-OH-D₂ is shown to significantly reduce PTH levels with an insignificant incidence of hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypercalciuria and hyperphosphaturia.

EXAMPLE 7

Double Blind Study of Open Label Study of Elderly Subjects with Elevated Blood PTH from Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

A twelve month double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial is conducted with forty subjects with secondary hyperparathyroidism. The selected subjects have ages between 60 and 100 years and have a history of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Subjects also have femoral neck osteopenia (femoral neck bone mineral density of ≦0.70 g/cm²).

All subjects enter a six-week control period after which the subjects are randomized into two treatment groups: one group receives a constant dosage of 15 μg/day 1α,24-(OH)₂ D₄ (u.i.d.; a dosage greater than 7.5 μg/day), and the other group receives a matching placebo. Both groups maintain a normal intake of dietary calcium without the use of calcium supplements. Efficiacy is evaluated by pre- and post-treatment comparisons of the two patient groups with regard to (a) intact PTH (iPTH); (b) radial, femoral and spinal bone mineral density; and (c) bone-specific urine markers (e.g., pyridinium crosslinks). Safety is evaluated by (a) serium calcium and phosphorus, and (b) urine calcium and phosphorus.

Analysis of the clinical data show that 1α,24-(OH)₂ D₄ significantly decreases iPTH and bone specific urine markers. Subjects treated with this compound show normal serum calcium levels and stable radial and spinal bone densities relative to basline values. In contrast, patients treated with placebo show no reduction in iPTH and bone-specific urine markers. An insignificant incidence of hypercalcemia is observed in the treatment group.

EXAMPLE 8

Open Label Study of Renal Patients with Sufficiently Elevated Blood PTH from Primary and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Fourteen renal patients enrolled in a clinical trial to study secondary hyperparathroidism showed baseline iPTH levels greater than 1000 pg/mL (range: 1015-4706 pg/mL). These greatly elevated levels indicated a component of the disease as primary to the gland as well as a component secondary to the loss of renal function. The initial dose of 1α-OH-D₂ (10 μg 3 times/week) was increased (maximum, 20 μg 3 times/week) or decreased as necessary to attain and maintain iPTH in the range of 150-300 pg/mL. After 11-12 weeks of treatment, the iPTH levels of all but two of the patients had decreased to below 1000 pg/mL, and the iPTH levels in nine of the patients had decreased to below 510 pg/mL. There were no episodes of hypercalcemia with the patients during the study.

The foregoing examples demonstrate that 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ and 1α,24-(OH)₂ D₄ are effective in reducing or preventing elevated blood PTH levels as well as preventing or restoring the loss of bone mass or bone mineral content while being substantially less toxic than 1α,25-(OH)₂ -vitamin D₃ and 1α-OH-vitamin D₃. It is to be understood that although the foregoing examples detail the use of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ and 1α,24-(OH)₂ D₄, other compounds within the scope of the claims may be readily utilized in the treatment of this invention with essentially equivalent results. For example, 1α,24(S)-(OH)₂ -vitamin D₂ shows activity equivalent to 1α,24(R)-(OH)₂ -vitamin D₃ and is also significantly less toxic than its vitamin D₃ counterpart.

Also included within the scope of the claims would be administration of effective dosages of the analog of formula (I) in conjunction with administration of other hormones or other agents which have been shown to stimulate bone formation in subjects experiencing or tending toward loss of bone mass or bone mineral content.

Such hormones or other agents may include conjugated estrogens or their equivalents, calcitonin, biphosphonates, calcium supplements, cobalamin, pertussis toxin and boron. Possible dose ranges for these co-administered agents are provided in Table 1.

                  TABLE 1     ______________________________________     Possible Oral Dose Ranges for Various Agents     Co-Administered With 1α-Hydroxyvitamin D.sub.2                  Dose Ranges     Agent          Broad     Preferred                                       Most Preferred     ______________________________________     Conjugated Estrogens or                    0.3-5.0   0.4-2.4  0.6-1.2     Equivalent (mg/day)     Sodium Fluoride (mg/day)                    5-150     30-75    40-60     Calcitonin (IU/day)                    5-800     25-500   50-200     Biphosphonates 50-2000   100-1500 250-1000     Calcium Supplements                    250-2500  500-1500 750-1000     (mg/day)     Cobalamin (μg/day)                    5-200     20-100   30-50     Pertussis Toxin (mg/day)                    0.1-2000   10-1500 100-1000     Boron (mg/day) 0.10-3000  1-250    2-100     ______________________________________

Although the above examples detail dosage by mouth, it is to be understood that the compounds can also be administered in alternative fashions, including intranasally, transdermally, intrarectally, intravaginally, subcutaneously, intravenously, and intramuscularly.

In summary, the present invention provides therapeutic methods for lowering or maintaining lowered blood levels of parathyroid hormone in hyperparathyroidism. The method in accordance with the present invention has significantly less resultant hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia.

While the present invention has now been described and exemplified with some specificity, those skilled in the art will appreciate the various modifications, including variations, additions, and omissions, that may be made in what has been described. Accordingly, it is intended that these modifications also be encompassed by the present invention and that the scope of the present invention be limited solely by the broadest interpretation that lawfully can be accorded the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method for lowering or maintaining lowered serum parathyroid hormone in human patients suffering from hyperparathyroidism, comprising: administering to said patients an effective amount of a vitamin D analog to lower and maintain lowered serum parathyroid hormone levels, said analog comprising formula (I): ##STR2## wherein A¹ and A² are either hydrogen or taken together, form a carbon-carbon double bond between C-22 and C-23; and R¹ is hydrogen or hydroxyl provided that when A¹ and A² are a double bond, R¹ is hydrogen.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said analog of formula (I) is 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ ; 1α-OH-vitamin D₄ ; or 1α,24(R)-(OH)₂ -vitamin D₄.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein said analog comprises a weekly dosage of about 1 μg to about 100 μg.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said analog, in solution, in a liquid vehicle ingestible by and nontoxic to said patients, is administered orally in encapsulated form.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said analog is co-administered with a calcium phosphate binder.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein said analog is administered in combination with at least one agent characterized by said agent's ability to reduce loss of bone mass, or bone mineral content in patients.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein said agent is other vitamin D compounds, conjugated estrogens, sodium fluorides, biphosphonates, cobalamin, pertussin toxin or boron.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said administration of said analog is parenteral.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein said administration is by subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous injection, nasopharyngeal or mucosal absorption, or transdermal absorption.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein said administration of said analog is nonparenteral.
 11. A method for achieving an effect in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a vitamin D analog of formula (I): ##STR3## wherein A¹ and A² are either hydrogen or taken together, form a carbon-carbon double bond between C-22 and C-23; and R¹ is hydrogen or hydroxyl provided that when A¹ and A² are a double bond, R¹ is hydrogen and wherein the effect is lowering or maintaining lowered serum parathyroid hormone levels, in a patient in need thereof and thus decreasing loss of bone mass or bone mineral content.
 12. A method of treating a human to alleviate or prevent the pathological effects of hyperparathyroidism, wherein the method comprises administering to the human in need thereof a vitamin D analog selected from the group consisting of 1α-OH-vitamin D₂ ; 1α-OH-vitamin D₄ ; and 1α,24(R)-(OH)₂ -vitamin D₄ wherein said analog is administered to the human in an amount sufficient to lower or maintain lowered serum parathyroid hormone levels in said human to thereby alleviate or prevent the effects.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said serum parathyroid hormone levels are measured by blood serum level of parathyroid hormone over time after ingestion.
 14. A method for lowering or maintaining lowered serum parathyroid hormone in human patients suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism, comprising: administering to said patients an effective amount of a vitamin D analog to lower and maintain lowered serum parathyroid hormone levels, said analog comprising formula (I): ##STR4## wherein A¹ and A² are either hydrogen or a carbon-carbon double bond between C-22 and C-23; and R¹ is hydrogen or hydroxyl provided that when A¹ and A² are a double bond, R¹ is hydrogen. 